Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met with Russian Prime
Minister Mikhail Kasyanov in Moscow on Thursday, during which they
expressed readiness to further strengthen military cooperation
between the two countries.
Kasyanov said that the Russian government attaches great
importance to reinforcing contacts between the two countries'
armies, because this not only serves the interests of Russia and
China, but also helps maintain regional peace and stability and
that of the world.
Cao, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military
Commission and a state councilor, said that China would continue to
implement the common understanding reached by the heads of
state.
Cao also thanked Russia for its persistent and effective support
to China on the Taiwan issue and on the issue of human rights.
Cao arrived in Moscow Monday for a week-long visit at the
invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergei Ivanov.
(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2003)